Uganda’s Dr Cedric Akwesigye of the Microhaem facility, early this week delivered a keynote address in South Africa that left medical industry experts in awe.
The event was the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) 2023 in Cape Town that brought together the creme-de-la-cream if the medical world, a stage that Dr Cedric severed.
Microhaem Scientifics and Medical Supplies Ltd., known as Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), established itself in 2012 as a prominent medical supplies company in Uganda. Behind its evolution into a powerhouse in the East African healthcare sector stands a visionary leader, Dr. Cedric whose strategic guidance has been pivotal in shaping the company’s trajectory.
In South Africa where his speech wowed many, he was part of panel discussions including a session on the future of Africa Diagnostics at the sidelines of the Africa Society on Laboratory Medicine where he called on African countries to embrace local manufacturing for Laboratory Diagnostic equipment.
His participation in the conference, has earned him nods of approval from reputable leaders in the field.
Just a week ago, he hosted President Yoweri Museveni during the commission of the MHS plant.
The plant will manufacture rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for HIV, malaria, and other illnesses, saving the East African nation $100 million a year on test kit imports, State House Uganda said in a statement.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, MHS has transcended its role as a conventional supplier to embrace manufacturing within the healthcare domain. Cedric Akwesigye’s foresight in diversifying MHS’s operations into manufacturing signifies a profound commitment to meeting local healthcare demands through innovation and self-reliance.
The plant, situated in Nakawa Division of the capital Kampala, will support the regional health sectors by producing affordable malaria and HIV diagnostic testing kits in the country, the government said in a statement.
President Yoweri Museveni launched the facility a fortnight ago. The plant was developed by the country’s scientists who included Cedric and President Museveni congratulated them ”for really waking up.”
The country’s health minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, praised the work of the scientists behind the project, adding that it would ”save the country $100 million annually on test kits’ importation.”
Under Cedric’s stewardship, MHS has expanded its capabilities, venturing into the production of essential medical supplies. Cedric’s emphasis on adhering to global quality standards while tailoring products to meet regional healthcare needs has positioned MHS as a beacon of reliability and innovation in the manufacturing sphere.
This strategic shift toward manufacturing pivotal medical products, such as diagnostic tools and surgical equipment, underscores Cedric’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility. His drive for technology transfer and the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities not only strengthens MHS’s position but also contributes significantly to Uganda’s self-sufficiency in healthcare resources.
The company’s strides in manufacturing within the healthcare sector reflect Cedric Akwesigye’s visionary leadership, where each innovation and manufacturing endeavor bears the hallmark of his commitment to revolutionizing healthcare in East Africa. His strategic direction has not only empowered MHS but has also contributed substantially to the region’s healthcare landscape.